WTF is a Geodesic Dome?
Here at Mountain Path Meadows, we are so excited to open up our business to bookings VERY soon! The first stage of our business launch will be accommodation — specifically, two geodesic domes situated on our secluded property at the base of dormant volcano crater Mount Schank.
So, we can hear you asking…geo-WHAT? What exactly IS a geodesic dome, anyway?! Well, good ol’ Wikipedia describes geodesic domes as “a hemispherical thin-shell structure based on a geodesic polyhedron. The triangular elements of the dome are structurally rigid and distribute the structural stress throughout the structure, making geodesic domes able to withstand very heavy loads for their size.”
There are many advantages to glamping in a geodesic dome as opposed to, say, a bell tent. According to our dome builder, Geodomes Australia, there are plenty of benefits of choosing a geodesic dome.
Reasons to choose a geodesic dome:
Engineering strength: The shape provides superior strength against wind and other natural elements. Fun fact: Did you know that a geodesic dome is the only human-made structure that gets proportionally stronger as it increases in size?
Fewer materials: Because of their shape, geodesic domes require far fewer materials than traditional rectangular shaped buildings. Plus, there’s no foundation needed — another win for Mother Nature.
Protection against the elements: We’ve heard anecdotally that domes are also much less likely to leak in rain as compared to their bell tent counterparts…pretty important given our damp climate here in South Australia’s Limestone Coast.
If you’re a fan of Escape to the Chateau, you’re probably familiar with the gorgeous floating geodesic dome Dick and Angel construct on their moat in Season 4, Episode 3.
We would be lying if we said we weren’t completely inspired by Dick, Angel and their adventures restoring their incredible chateau in the heart of the French countryside…all the way down to their idea to construct a dome in a place that offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While there are similarities, there are also a few other things that make our domes unique from those at Chateau de La Motte Husson:
Once-in-a-lifetime location: Instead of staying on a moat outside a fairytale chateau, our guests at Mountain Path Meadows will have a different type of unique experience: Staying under the stars at the base of a heritage listed dormant volcano, Mount Schank / Pareen. (FYI, Pareen is the name the local Indigenous peoples gave to Mount Schank LONG before it was named Mount Schank by white colonists.)
Australian made: Our domes are made locally right here in Australia — in Ballarat, Victoria, as a matter of fact — by Neal at Geodomes Australia. Head over to their Instagram to check out the gorgeous craftsmanship, design and geometry that goes into the domes. They’re works of art!
Timber not metal: Our glamping domes are constructed out of dressed structural pine rather than aluminium or steel framed. While it’s a bit of a toss up to determine which building material is the most environmentally friendly (steel can be recycled but wood can be regenerated), according to ThinkWood.com, during the manufacturing processes, wood products result in far less carbon emissions than steel.
Excited to stay in our one-of-a-kind geodesic domes? Head over to our Instagram or Facebook, give us a follow and stay tuned for more information on how to book our unique, eco-friendly Limestone Coast accommodation.
P.S.: On the off chance that Dick, Angel, or any of their “people” are reading this…we adore you! Thank you for inspiring us! And feel free to come visit us when you’re in Australia.